Aeroplane



I Patented Oct. 7, 1930 UNITED STATES CLARENCE G. FREEMAN, OF LINDSAY,CALIFORNIA AEROILANE Application filed March 2'7, 1929. Serial No;350,236.

This invention relates to aircraft, and more particularly to aeroplanes.

An object of the invention is the provision of an efficiently operatingaeroplane of un- 5 usually simple construction, and yet which ispossessed of all the strength, durability, and safety of aeroplanesconstructed in the conventional manner.

A more detailed object is the provision of an aeroplane in which thefuselage is in the .form of an open framework, with the result that itoffers less wind resistance than those wherein the fuselage is covered.

A further object is the provision of an aeroplane in which only thesupporting wings or aerofoils, and the direction controlling rudders,are covered, with the consequent re duction in total weight and cost ofmanufacture, as well as a decrease in air resistance. A still furtherobject is the provision of an aeroplane of the general class described,in which the propulsion means is mounted inside the open framework ofthe fuselage. Thus it may be seen that the propeller is surrounded by anopen framework affording especial protection to the propeller, as wellas to the motor itself, and minimizing the danger of injury by beingstruck bythe whirling propeller.- The invention possesses other objectsand J advantageous features, some of which, with those enumerated, willbe set forth in the following description of the inventions particularembodiment which is illustrated in the r drawings accompanying andforming a part of the specification. Referring to the drawings:

' Figure 1 is a side elevation of an aeroplane embodying the principlesof my invention.

' Fig. 2 is a front elevation, the direction of .view being indicated bythe arrow 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a vertical, transverse sectional viewtaken upon the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, with the direction of view asindicated. In terms of broad inclusion, the aeroplane of the presentinvention com rises a fuselage or body which is composed o suitablybraced longrons, but which is left free of the conventional coverings,and which serves as a support for the wings or'aerofoils, and thevertical and horizontal rudders. The propulsion means, comprisingpreferably an internal combustion motor and a propeller operativelyconnected thereto, are disposed inside the open framework of thefuselage.

Specifically describing the preferred embodiment of the invention, myaeroplane comprises a fuselage indicated in its entirety at 6, uponwhich are mounted laterally ex tending Wings or aerofoils 7, an enclosedcockpit or cabin 8, and vertical and horizontal rudders 9 and 11,respectively. The wings 7, and rudders 9 and 11, are constructed in theconventional manner, being composed of suitable ribs and braces (notshown) covered in any suitable manner, and with any suitable material,as clearly shown on the drawings. The fuselage 6, however, is notcovered, and is formed of an open framework 12. This framework 12comprises a plurality of circular braces or cross members 13,- disposedin parallel planes and spaced at suitable intervals throughout thelength of the fuselage. These braces 13 are rigidly held in position bya plurality of longrons 14, each of which is rigidly attached to all ofthe circular cross braces 13, which are preferably held in true circularform in any suitable manner such as by a plurality of wire guys 16. 7

The circular'cross braces 13 are of gradually diminishingdiameter fromthe brace 17' which is slightly forward of the center of the fuselage,toward the furthest aft brace 18; and also from the brace 17 toward thebrace 19 which is furthest forward; Furthermore, the longrons 14 aredeflected inward as at 21, and are joined at the nose 22 of theaeroplane, with the result that the entire fuselage 6 is roughlycigar-shaped. Any suitable type of prime mover such as an internalcombustion motor 26, is mounted inside the fuselage 6, by means ofsuitable engine supports 27 rigid with certain of the longrons 14. Tothe shaft 28 of the motor '26, a propeller 29 is secured, this propelleralso being disposed inside the open framework of the fuselage 6.

The cabin or cockpit 8 is mounted in the fuselage 6, preferably abovethe motor 26.

Preferably the cabin or cockpit 8 is completely enclosed with anysuitable material such as prepared fabric 32, with the upper, forward,and side portions, having inserts 33 of glass, or other suitabletransparent material.

The controls for the motor 26, rudders 9 and 11, and ailerons 34 whichare conveniently mounted in the Wings 7, are properly disposed withinthe cockpit 8. v

Landing gear comprising wheels 36 mounted on an axle 37, is secured tothe under side of the fuselage 6, by a plurality of struts 38.Preferably-the axle 37 is disposed directly below the motor 26 and cabin8, with the result that the center of gravity of the entire craft, isonly slightly aft of the points of sup-. port of the aeroplane whenresting upon the landing gear.

It is believed obvious that because of the open nature of the fuselage6, less wind resistance Will be encountered during flight, than When thefuselage 6 is covered as in the case of the conventionally constructedaeroplane. Maneuvering of the craft, both during flight and when uponthe ground, is in all respects, the same as with the conventionalaeroplane, by the proper manipulation of the rudders 9 and 11, andailerons 34, in a manner readily understood. Furthermore, in view of theelimination of the covering for the fuselage, a material decrease in thetotal weight of the aircraft, has been eflected by employing theprinciples of my invention.

It is to be understood that the details of the invention as hereindisclosed, are subject to alteration within the spirit or scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. In an aeroplane, a fuselage comprising an open fusiform framework,and propulsion {means mounted completely inside said fuseage.

2. In an aeroplane, a fuselage comprising an open fusiform framework,Wings extending laterally therefrom, propulsion means disposedcompletely inside said fuselage, and means for controlling the directionof movement of the aeroplane.

3. In an aeroplane, an open fuselage comprising a plurality of spacedcircular braces and longrons secured thereto retaining the braces .inparallel planes, wings extending laterally therefrom, a propeller anddriving means therefor, said propeller and driving means being disposedinside said fuselage, and means for controlling the direction ofmovement of the aeroplane.

4. In an aeroplane, an open fuselage comprising a plurality of spacedcircular braces and longrors secured thereto retaining the braces inparallel planes, said longroiis eonverging toward each other at each endof said fuselage,wings extending'laterally there-- from,'a motor and apropeller coupled there to, said motor and propeller being disposedinside said fuselage, and means for controlling the direction ofmovement of the

